CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 Registration Begins for Classes 8 to 10; Check Dates and Selection Process

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has started registration for the Science Challenge 2026-27 for students in Classes 8, 9 and 10. The initiative aims to promote scientific curiosity, critical thinking, inquiry and problem-solving skills among school students.

According to CBSE's academic circular dated October 13, 2026, affiliated schools can register students for the first round from October 14 to October 30, 2026. The competition will take place in two stages: a school-level round followed by an inter-school round.

Participation in both rounds is free. Students interested in taking part must contact their respective schools, as registration and selection are managed through CBSE-affiliated institutions.

CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: Important Dates

Students and schools should keep track of the following schedule to avoid missing registration deadlines.

CBSE will communicate the confirmed date and detailed instructions for the second round to the schools concerned. The computer-based assessment is tentatively scheduled within the November 30–December 4 window.

Who Can Participate in the CBSE Science Challenge?

The competition is open to students in Classes VIII, IX and X studying at CBSE-affiliated schools.

Students cannot register independently through the portal. Schools must complete the registration process and organise the first-round activity in accordance with the board's guidelines.

The challenge is designed to encourage students to apply scientific concepts, think critically and develop problem-solving abilities beyond routine classroom learning.

CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: Selection Process

The competition consists of two rounds, with selection for the second stage based on students' performance in the first round.

Round 1: School-Level Assessment

Participating schools will conduct the first round in their classrooms using the question paper provided by CBSE. The assessment will include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and students will have up to 60 minutes to complete it.

Schools must arrange appropriate invigilation and ensure that the assessment is conducted fairly. Teachers will evaluate students' responses according to the board's prescribed instructions.

Performance will be assessed using both accuracy and completion time. Students securing higher marks will receive priority. If candidates obtain equal marks, the student who completes the assessment in less time will be preferred.

Round 2: Inter-School Competition

Each participating school can nominate six students for Round 2, comprising two students each from Classes 8, 9 and 10.

Schools must register their selected candidates between November 17 and November 25, 2026. The second round will be conducted in computer-based mode during the tentative November 30–December 4 window.

Students who qualify through their school's first-round selection process will compete at the next stage under CBSE's prescribed arrangements.

How to Register for CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27

Eligible students should follow these steps to participate:

Contact the school administration or science teacher to express interest in the challenge.

Ask the school to register participants through the official CBSE Science Challenge portal.

The school must log in using its designated List of Candidates (LOC) credentials.

The school will conduct Round 1 during the prescribed November window.

Based on the results, the school can nominate six eligible students and complete their Round 2 registration within the notified dates.

Official registration portal: https://cbseacadit.nic.in/sc/

Students should verify all instructions with their school before the assessment, particularly the dates, participation arrangements and eligibility requirements.

Certificates and Recognition

CBSE will provide online participation certificates to students taking part in the second round. The board will also issue appreciation certificates to the best-performing participants, according to the published guidelines.

The Science Challenge offers students an opportunity to strengthen their scientific reasoning, explore concepts through problem-solving and gain experience in a structured academic competition.

Schools have been encouraged to motivate eligible students to participate and use the initiative to foster a stronger culture of scientific inquiry and learning.